About Byblos
Byblos, known in Arabic as Jbeil, has been inhabited for many thousands of years and was a key Phoenician port trading cedar with Egypt. Its chief deity was Baalat Gebal, the Lady of Byblos, often linked to Egyptian Hathor. The Greeks later told myths of Adonis connected with the nearby river now called Nahr Ibrahim, which runs red with soil in spring. Its harbor still shelters fishing boats beside the ancient town.
Within the archaeological site, visitors find the Temple of the Obelisks, where small standing stones were dedicated to a god, along with the Temple of Baalat Gebal, royal tombs, Roman colonnades and a Crusader castle. The town also has the twelfth century Church of Saint John Mark. The Phoenician alphabet, ancestor of many scripts, is closely associated with inscriptions found here. Layers from many periods overlap within a compact and walkable area.
What to see
- Temple of the Obelisks
- Temple of Baalat Gebal
- Crusader castle
- Royal necropolis
- Church of Saint John Mark
Visiting Byblos: practical guide
- Best time
- April to June and September to October
- Hours
- Open daily, roughly 8:30 to sunset
- Entry
- Fee charged
- Dress code
- Casual clothing; modest dress in churches
- Nearest airport
- Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY), 40 km
Tips from experienced pilgrims
- Start at the castle for an overview
- Stay for sunset at the old harbor
- Combine with Jeita Grotto and Harissa
Festivals and special days
- Byblos International Festival in summer
Etiquette for visitors
Guidance drawn from Canaanite Religion tradition. Always follow signs and local custodians.
- Check travel advisories before visiting sites in Syria and southern Lebanon.
- Stay on marked paths at excavations to protect exposed walls and floors.
- Do not remove stones, pottery or coins, which is illegal in every country of the region.
- Be mindful that many sites sit near active places of worship for living faiths.
- Dress modestly when sites are near mosques, churches or synagogues.
- Hire a local guide to understand layered ruins from many periods.
Location map
Open in OpenStreetMap · Get directions
Frequently asked questions
Where is Byblos?
Byblos is in Byblos, Keserwan-Jbeil Governorate, Lebanon, Asia. GPS coordinates: 34.1191, 35.6467. The nearest airport is Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY), 40 km.
What is the best time to visit Byblos?
April to June and September to October
Is there an entry fee for Byblos?
Fee charged Opening hours: Open daily, roughly 8:30 to sunset
What should I wear when visiting Byblos?
Casual clothing; modest dress in churches
Which religion is Byblos sacred to?
Byblos is sacred to Canaanite Religion, Christianity. Archaeological ruins. It is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
